Diabetes
Key facts
Diabetes Key Facts
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. There
are different types of diabetes resulting from defects in the secretion, action or both of insulin, the hormone
that regulates the level of sugar:
Type 1 DM (T1D) is characterised by deficient
insulin production by the pancreas, requires the
administration of external insulin, and has an early onset in life.
Type 2 DM (T2D), which accounts for more than
90% of all cases of diabetes, typically appears at
adult age and is characterised by the body’s
ineffective use of insulin, usually treated with oral
medication.
Gestational DM occurs in women that develop high blood
sugar levels during pregnancy.
The common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. A severe
drop in the blood sugar levels can provoke unconsciousness. When not properly managed, diabetes can lead in
the long term to severe and fatal complications, including diabetic retinopathy (a leading cause of blindness),
neuropathy (damage in the sensory and motor nerves), foot ulcers, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney
failure.
Diabetes mellitus and its complications are a major global public health problem. In 2017, there were 427
million adults estimated with diabetes across the world1, of which 58 million people in the European Region. It is
expected to reach 629 million people in 2045. Noteworthy, one in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed.
Overweight/obesity, unhealthy habits and inappropriate physical activity, and an ageing global population, are
the major risk factors for diabetes. Therefore, prevention and early and appropriate interventions are
indispensable measures to reduce the prevalence and complications of diabetes.
Read more in health report for diabetes
Diabetes in Middle East and North Africa
In 2019, diabetes was the ninth leading cause of death with an estimated 1.5 million deaths directly caused by diabetes.
A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications.